Career Profiles

Career Profile: Jurgen Mollers, Personal Historian

Company: Storyzon / Years in the industry: 8

By Charlotte Cusack

Posted:
11/05/2010 11:29:53 AM PDT

Updated:
11/11/2010 09:48:22 AM PST

Jurgen Mollers (Photo submitted Storyzon)

What drew you to study literature and philosophy?

The groundwork for my academic work and career was laid long before I ever realized it. It began with my maternal grandfather, a real hero of mine growing up. When I was a teenager, he introduced me to history and philosophy, and my passion grew from there.

What's your educational background?

I completed a master's degree in philosophy with a minor in literature, and then went on to earn my Ph.D. in both disciplines from the University of Wurzburg in Germany. Meanwhile, I also studied abroad in Paris, France and Siena, Italy. To continue my education, I immigrated to the United States, taking a Research Fellowship Grant from the University of California-Berkeley Philosophy Department.

How did you become a personal historian?

I had been working in the high-tech industry for six years, but I was finding it to be a poor fit for me. Then, through a fortuitous call from a friend, I was introduced to the concept of chronicling personal histories and Germany's best-known personal history company, the Medienburo Agency in Berlin. After contacting the Medienburo, I was convinced this was my path and scheduled my flight to Germany for training. When I returned to the United States, Storyzon was born.

What's the process of creating a biography?

The total timeline for a biography is around a year for a 150 page book. More often than not, the biography is an individual biography rather than a multi-generational one.

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If I'm contacted by an individual, I usually interview only that person for their book. But, if the individual is deceased, then a family member contacts us and someone becomes the point person on the project. Community members, family members, friends, etc. may be involved if desired; it depends on what the client's vision for the project is. The books are meant to be passed down through the generations, so the bulk of the work is written for the family unless we're working on something meant for wider distribution.

Why do you love your work?

It's very touching to see what happens to a family once they go through the process. I hear a lot of stories, build a rapport with clients and benefit from people's insights. Particularly when you work with people who are nearing the end of their lives, they really open up; they're very honest, as some of the need to maintain a public face has fallen away. Everybody has a story, and it's an honor to help people tell theirs.

What's your advice to people interested in this career?

If you are considering a career in personal history, it is a good idea to define your strengths. Personal historians are often individuals who simply love writing, but one must keep in mind there are many other steps in producing not only a book but a business. Some elements can be outsourced: interviewing, proofing, graphic design, public relations, etc. Team up with professionals who can take on the areas where you may lack knowledge.

When I began Storyzon, the first couple of books I created nearly in their entirety. Without any networks, I had to start from scratch. Once I had a few projects under my belt, I was better able to sell my services, which enabled me to begin assembling a team. Today, I have more of a producer role, but I still conduct most interviews and am always involved in editing our manuscripts.

Is it possible to make a living as a personal historian?

I think it's a vacancy that's waiting to be filled. Today, it's a quirky little industry, but it could and should be far more mainstream. I absolutely believe you can make it in the business, but in order to earn an income, at least in the beginning, you have to be willing to do more than write - you'll be marketing, networking, overseeing a budget and interfacing with clients. It's hard work, but the kind that comes with many rewards.

For more information, visit www.storyzon.com.

If you would like to be considered for a career profile or want to nominate someone, please e-mail Charlotte Cusack at ccusack@bayareanewsgroup.com.

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